How To Shop Last-Minute (For Gifts That Look Anything But)

A gifting expert shares her 5 tips for making sure no one knows you did your shopping the day before

Decanter and cheese board from T.J. Maxx; blankets and candle holders from HomeGoods; robe from Marshalls

The savviest last-minute shoppers tend to be so good at hiding their procrastinating ways, you'd never know they bought the bulk of their gifts in the days before Christmas. (That means no giveaways, like coffee table books for everyone, or pieces giftees recognize as obvious re-gifts.) To help any nervous shoppers, we asked Michelle Madhok, Founder of SHEFinds.com, to share her tips for picking gifts that are chic, sure to be loved, and most important, easy to get when time is running low.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

1. Choose items you'd love to receive. Look for something everyone needs or appreciates, like luxe cashmere sleepwear. Gifting last-minute items that everyone can use and no one ever has enough of like decorative picture frames is the way to go.

2. Do your research. Try checking out your loved ones' social media pages to see what they "Like" or have pinned to help give you an idea of what they're really passionate about.

3. Play it safe. Buying gifts for people you don't know well doesn't have to be boring. Try accessories like statement jewelry, cashmere socks, beauty sets and scented candles—always great go-tos for women. Pet bowls and toys are good for anyone who owns a dog or cat, and grooming items are great for guys.

4. Set yourself up for success. Hurrying to find something when store shelves are picked over can be high-stress—but it doesn't have to be. Stores like T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods Madhok is a spokesperson for the brands] always have fresh merchandise, even right up until Christmas eve. That's over 10,000 standout gifts arriving at every store each week, which means you're sure to find everything you need.

5. Add a touch of the personal. Try to include a handwritten note with a memory of something the two of you shared in the past year. If you're going the gift card route try gifting an experience. For example, if you buy an iTunes gift card put it in a bowl with popcorn, candy, a throw...and you've just gifted a movie night.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
ELLE Decor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.